Outdoor show with no PA support

[jaywa]

Ugh, reminds me, I don't think the drums' cymbals would be loud enough without amplification, so we do need those in the PA as well.

The cymbals should be the least of your worries. Except maybe the hi-hit, you'll want that coming through.

You can carry a show just fine without people hearing every cymbal crash. OTOH if kick drum and bass are lacking your band will come off sounding lame.

 

[David Jayne]

Unless this is a concert situation, where you need a forceful bass tone 200 feet back, you will be just fine.

I play outdoor gigs ALL THE TIME with a 410, 500 watts, and no PA support.

Me too. It's really no big deal.

 

[modulusman]

Over 40 replies and nobody has asked the most important question. How many people are you expecting? I also would not put the sub on the stage as you will not get the benefit of coupling with the ground.

 

[JimmyM]

Ya, sub on the ground if possible. And ya, cymbals are the least of your worries. Kick and snare are what's important. Cymbals will get picked up regardless, even toms to a lesser extent.

 

[Stumbo]

How many people are you expecting?

+1

Probably the biggest variable in the equation.

From what I've read, it's a Thursday so, what, maybe 100 -200 people? 500? How big is the seating area or whatever area that needs to be filled?

Also, are there buildings surrounding the area? You'll get a lot of echos if there are. They will also contain the sound, some what.